Mayor Terry Culbertson is accepting applications for the Uhrichsville director of city services, hoping to have one hired by mid-October.

Eric Edwards, who has been city services director since May 9, 2011, is moving to Florida to pursue other opportunities. His last day on the job will be Oct. 26, and the goal is to hire someone in time to work with Edwards for a week of transition.

Applications can be picked up at the mayor’s office at 305 E. Second St. They must be returned there with a résumé by 4 p.m. Oct. 9.

“That will give me time to interview and hire someone and get them on board to work at least a week before Eric leaves,” the mayor said, adding that the duties will be the same.

The job is full time, and applicants must have a background or knowledge of construction and building inspection. The service director also must attend City Council meetings.

The director reports to the mayor, and is expected to keep him informed.

“It’s a big job, with quite a lot involved,” Culbertson said. “He or she will be out, going through the city and making sure things are going the way we want and expect them to.”

The director will follow city ordinances and be involved with zoning and the city planning commission.

“He must be able to read blueprints, and will look at contractors’ drawings and what they want to do,” the mayor said. “He will be the one issuing permits for construction work in the city, and following up with contractors on those permits. We have the right to inspect rental properties.”

Notices regarding cleaning up properties or mowing tall grass also are issued through the director.

Culbertson said the director needs to have a construction and inspection background because “there will be a learning curve,” including how to deal with the Uhrichsville Water Park.

In addition to service department employees, he also will be in contact with police and firefighters as needed.

“We’ll really miss Eric — he’s done such a great job,” the mayor said. “He’s been an asset, but people have to move on and do what they want to do.”

Edwards said he hopes to stay in the zoning and inspection field. He said there are opportunities in Florida, where the positions are at the county level.

“I went to college in Florida and loved it,” he said, adding he’s also gone on trips to Florida since then.

He said he’s enjoyed working with city officials, employees and residents.

Edwards said he’s most pleased about getting new zoning regulations in place after about eight months of working with council’s zoning committee and the city’s planning commission.

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“The regulations were about 30 years old,” he said. “We needed to come up with new ones that are more usable and that protect the welfare of the citizens.”